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Contract Rf Ic Design Engineer Jobs in Bowie, MD

Assess, design, and optimize enterprise wireless connectivity solutions using cellular (4G/5G) and ... Support of RF systems within DoD or IC environments. Requirements: TS/SCI security clearance ...

Assess, design, and optimize enterprise wireless connectivity solutions using cellular (4G/5G) and ... Support of RF systems within DoD or IC environments. Requirements: TS/SCI security clearance ...

Assess, design, and optimize enterprise wireless connectivity solutions using cellular (4G/5G) and ... Support of RF systems within DoD or IC environments. Requirements: TS/SCI security clearance ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract Rf Ic Design Engineer information

See Bowie, MD salary details

$35.7K

$113.6K

$176.7K

How much do contract rf ic design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract rf ic design engineer in Bowie, MD is $113,614.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,100.00 and $134,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract RF IC design engineer?

A Contract RF IC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) Design Engineer is a specialist who designs, develops, and tests integrated circuits that operate at radio frequencies, typically for wireless communication products. Working on a contract basis, these engineers are hired for specific projects and may work for different companies as needed. Their responsibilities include circuit design, simulation, layout, and verification of RF components such as amplifiers, mixers, and oscillators. They often collaborate with other engineers to ensure the circuits meet performance specifications and industry standards. Contract RF IC Design Engineers are essential in industries like telecommunications, consumer electronics, and aerospace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract RF IC design engineer?

To thrive as a Contract RF IC Design Engineer, you need a strong background in analog and RF circuit design, semiconductor physics, and relevant engineering degrees, typically in electrical or electronics engineering. Experience with EDA tools like Cadence Virtuoso, ADS, or Mentor Graphics, and knowledge of industry standards for IC layout and verification are essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top candidates apart. These competencies ensure the development of high-performance, reliable ICs that meet demanding technical specifications and project deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced by contract RF IC design engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Contract RF IC Design Engineers often face challenges such as quickly adapting to new project requirements, integrating with existing design teams, and managing tight deadlines. Since each client or project may use different design tools or methodologies, flexibility and strong communication skills are essential. Building a solid understanding of the project's specifications early on and maintaining open communication with both in-house engineers and project managers can help ensure smooth collaboration and timely delivery. Proactively seeking feedback and clarifying expectations also aids in overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Contract Rf Ic Design Engineer vs Contract Digital IC Design Engineer?

AspectContract Rf Ic Design EngineerContract Digital IC Design Engineer
Required SkillsRF circuit design, analog and mixed-signal design, simulation toolsDigital logic design, HDL (VHDL/Verilog), FPGA/ASIC design
Work EnvironmentSemiconductor companies, telecommunications, aerospaceConsumer electronics, computing, data centers
CertificationsRelevant EE degrees, RF design certificationsEE degrees, digital design certifications

The main difference between a Contract Rf Ic Design Engineer and a Contract Digital IC Design Engineer lies in their focus areas. RF IC engineers specialize in high-frequency analog and RF circuit design, while digital IC engineers focus on digital logic and FPGA/ASIC development. Both roles require strong EE backgrounds but differ in their technical skills and industry applications.

Infographic showing various Contract Rf Ic Design Engineer job openings in Bowie, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 60% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,614 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

RF/Digital Test & Principal RF/Digital Test Engineer 2nd shift

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems Manufacturing Operations Test Engineering Team in Baltimore, MD seeks an RF/Digital Test and Development Engineer or Principal RF Test and Development Engineer to join our team. This is a 2nd shift position.

This career opportunity is a great fit for Engineers who want to assume ownership of the performance and delivery of Northrop Grumman's diverse suite of RF and digital product hardware. Our Engineers work in a high exposure, fast paced, and exciting environment that involves "hands on" technical challenges, problem solving, and inter-department collaborations. If you thrive on solving problems and want different challenges each day, please read on!

We are seeking RF and digital knowledgeable engineers who are passionate about monitoring and supporting product technical performance and maintaining product delivery schedules. The RF/Digital Test and Development Engineer will support the development, integration, and testing of production hardware. Activities range from hands-on testing and troubleshooting; to analysis of failure trends, root cause/ corrective actions; and attending program meetings to report yields, problems, and corrective actions.

What You'll Get to Do:

  • Design, develop, and implement testing methods and equipment

  • Troubleshoot and support RF and digital hardware

  • Support First Time Through Test Yield (FTTTY) and hardware deliveries

  • Analyze test data and identify early trends

  • Compile data and define changes required in testing equipment, testing procedures, manufacturing processes, or new testing requirements

  • Collaborate with design engineering to develop and implement hardware improvements and solutions

  • Support technicians through troubleshoot and training

  • Monitor product yields and maintain program yield targets

  • Support program meetings in developing root cause and corrective actions

  • Attend program meetings to report yield issues, yield detractor investigation finding, and corrective actions

  • Interface with manufacturing management, test technicians, production engineers, design engineers, system engineers, program management and program support teams

The successful candidate will have a working knowledge of RF theory and concepts; and a working knowledge of digital circuit design. They will have analytical skills to review requirements, test plans, and test scenarios; and the ability to effectively communicate across teams. They should be self-directed, organized, team oriented and have previous experience with MS Office tools.

Please note this is for a 2nd shift position

This position will either be filled at the RF Design Test and Development engineer or the Principal RF/Digital Test and Development Engineer

Basic Qualifications for the RF/Digital Test and Development Engineer 2:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field and a minimum of 2+ years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field and a minimum of 0 years of experience.

  • Experience reading and interpreting specifications, schematics and block diagrams

  • Experience with RF hardware and software

  • Experience with Digital engineering

  • Experience with RF test equipment, such as oscilloscopes, power meter, spectrum analyzer, signal generator

  • Current, active Department of Defense (DoD) Secret level clearance

  • U.S. Citizenship

  • Ability to work 2nd Shift

Basic Qualifications for the Principal RF/Digital Test and Development Engineer 3:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field and a minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field and a minimum of 3+ years of experience.

  • Experience reading and interpreting specifications, schematics and block diagrams

  • Experience with RF hardware and software

  • Experience with Digital engineering

  • Experience with RF test equipment, such as oscilloscopes, power meter, spectrum analyzer, signal generator

  • Current, active Department of Defense (DoD) Secret level clearance

  • U.S. Citizenship

  • Ability to work 2nd Shift

Preferred Qualifications for both the RF/Digital Test and Development Engineer and Principal RF/Digital Test and Development Engineer::

  • Advanced degree in Engineering or related STEM discipline

  • Experience with FPGA

  • Experience with LabWindows CVI, C / C++ programming

  • TestStand programming

  • Experience with digital, analog, RF test equipment, RF theory and high speed digital.

  • Experience with differential digital interfaces like LVDS

  • PXI/PXIe and VME bus experience

  • Hands-on troubleshooting of electrical hardware

RFTBWI
MANUMS

Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939